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Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.
More This site contains affiliate links from which we may earn a commission.The unmatched versatility of khaki chinos make them a true workhorse garment.
As far as menswear essentials go, a good pair of khaki chinos are a must have. In fact, if I was forced to choose just one pair of pants to wear for the rest of my life, I would definitely go with a pair of khakis. Their unmatched versatility makes them one of the true workhorse garments in any guy’s wardrobe. Khaki chinos are super easy to dress up or down and look great for work, casual, or just hanging out. Here’s the first in a series of three ways to wear them.
1. Spring Workwear
You can really view khaki chinos as a blank canvas. They pair so well with such a wide variety of colors and patterns it’s hard to get it “wrong” when putting a look together. With such an abundance of options, it’s all about what you’re feeling on a particular day. I decided that for each of the three looks in this series I’d stick to a classic color palate—blues and browns. It’s a tried and true, can’t go wrong option that always looks fresh no matter the situation.
Because of their versatility, the feel of any look with khaki chinos is really defined by what you pair them with. A button-up shirt and double monk strap shoes definitely dress them up appropriately for any workday (or casual Friday, depending on your office’s dress code) without having to rock ’em with a cuff and a crease.
If khakis are a blank canvas, then so too is a light blue button down. In a workwear situation, consider it an opportunity to add a little color, interest, or nod to the current season with your choice of neckwear.
I’m a huge fan of the messenger bag. It’s versatile, stylish, and a great alternative to a classic briefcase. Messenger bags are typically seen as a more casual option, but if you invest in a quality and well-made leather bag nobody is likely to hold it against you. Plus, it will last you a lot longer. Believe it or not, I’ve had this bag for over 13 years. It still looks fantastic and keeps getting better with age.
This Look: Cotton khaki chinos by J.Crew, Blue micro stripe shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke (similar here), Madras plaid tie by J.Crew, Brown double monk strap shoes by To Boot New York, Brown socks by Johnston & Murphy, Brown leather plaque belt by J.Crew, Silver tie bar by The Tie Bar, Watch with brown leather band by Timex, Brown leather messenger bag by Coach.
As always, feel free to leave your thoughts below. Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
He Spoke Style
Photography by Rob McIver Photo.
Brian Sacawa
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers. Since 2013, his goal has remained the same: to provide men the advice and inspiration they need to dress well, develop their personal style, and gain more confidence. Brian’s interest and passion for men’s style and luxury watches has led to his writing for The Robb Report, The Rake, and Sotheby’s and he has been quoted on menswear in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Today.com, Brides Magazine, and the Huffington Post. He lives in the woods north of Baltimore with his wife, Robin, kitties Nick and Nora, and German Shepherd/Collie mix Charlie.
